End member for tubular axles



y 1933- T. v. BUCKWALTER 1,906,531

END MEMBER FOR TUBULAR AXLES Original Filed June 8, 1951 Patented May 2, 1933 UNITED 7 STATES :PATENT OFFICE TRACY v. BUCKWALTER, or cannon, OHIO, Assmiwoaro THE TIMKEN ROLLER-BE R- ING COMPANY, OF CANTON, OHIO, CORPORATION OHIO ENIDMEMBER FOR TUBULAR AXLES Original application filed June 8, 1931, Serial No. 542,757., Divided and this applicationgflled January 11,

1932.. Serial This invention relates to a device for reinforcing the end of a vehicle axle and furnishing a bearing for the steering knuckle. It consists in an article of manufacture which has one portion adapted for insertion 1n the tubular end of an'axle'and so designed as to function after the manner of a mandrel for shaping such end and also to function as a reinforcement therefor and which also has a second portion designed tO'PIOJGCt beyond said end to furnish a bearing for the steering knuckle.

In the accompanying drawing which forms part of this specification and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts whereever they occur, V

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an axle reinforcing member or insert embodying my A invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view therefor, partly 1n horizontal longitudinal section;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the insert; and

Figs. 4 and 5 are vertical cross-sections taken on the lines 4-4 and 55, respectively,

in Fig. 3.

My axle reinforcing member or nsert A comprises a thick end portion 1, which is of a width and depth sufiicient to afford the strength necessary for mounting a suitable steering knuckle and arms 2 extendmgtherefrom substantially parallel and having abutting cylindrical lugs 3 pro ecting from their opposing faces near their ends. These lugs are intended to be bored to receive the bolt or like device that secures the vehicle spr ng and their spacing from the thick end portion 1 is determined accordingly. The thick end portion 1 of the insert A is made wider than the arms that project therefrom and is preferably rounded at its outer end and extends slightly above and below the two arms 2 that project therefrom.. The abutting lugs 3 are provided on opposite sides of the insert with vertical ribs 4 that extend from top tobottom of said lugs and areslightly convex endwise and rounded Where they merge into the arms 2; and the portions of .saidzarms located beyond said abutting lugs are beveled, as at 5, so as to facilitate the entry of the No. 585,860. g

insert into the bore of the tubular axle 'B in whose ends they are to be inserted.

arms 2frictional1y engaging the interior sur- W face, of the tube preferably at the'top and bottom thereof and with the convex ribs 4 frictionally' engaging said interior surface on opposite sides 'of said tube. In addition to thisifrictional engagement, it is desirable to For mstance, as inweld the parts together. dicated at 6, the endmost portion of the tube may be weldedto the thick end portion 1 of i the insert that projects therefrom; and the tube may be spot-welded to the ribs 4 that project from the opposite sides of the abutting lugs 3 near the ends of thearms. For thispurpose, the horizontal width of the arms is somewhat less than the overall distance between the convex faces of opposite ribs. The projecting portion of the insert is providedwith a vertical bore 7 to receive the knuckle pin or hearing therefor; and it is also provided with a horizontal cross-bore 8 for a locking pin. A vertical hole 9 for the spring fastening bolt is drilled through the tube and the abutting lugs 3 near the inner end of the two arms 2 of the insert. The operation of drilling the holes 7, 8, and 9 is preferably performed after the inserts have i been welded to the axle tube and after the latter has been bent to the required shape.

In mounting the insert in the ends of the axle tube, said members preferably operate after the manner of a mandrel to change the slightly convexed, the corners of the oblong being rounded, all as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 One of the important advantages of the re inforcing member hereinbefore described is the facility and economy with which it may be manufactured. The preferred process of manufacturing such reinforcing member or insert is fully described in my copending application Serial No. 542,757, filed June 8,

Dec. 1931.

1931, for patent therefor, of which the present application is a division.

What I claim is:

1. A member for reinforcing tubular axles comprising a thick end portionsuitable for mounting a steering knuckle and arms extending therefrom substantially parallel and having abutting lugs in the ends thereof.

2. A member for reinforcing tubular axles comprising a thick portion at one end adapted for mounting a steering knuckle and spaced arms extending therefrom and having abutting lugs adjacent to the ends thereof, said arms having tapered end portions adapted to function like a mandrel.

3. A member for reinforcing tubular axles comprising a thick portion at one end adapted for mounting a steering knuckle and spaced arms extending therefrom and having abutting lugs adjacent the ends thereof provided with a hole for a spring fastening bolt, said arms having tapered end portions adapted to function like a mandrel.

Signed at Canton, Ohio, this 30 day of TRACY V. BUGKWALTER. 

